Percussively-ignitable flashlamp assembly and selective firing mechanism therefor utilizing movable retention means

ABSTRACT

An improved flashlamp assembly which utilizes a plurality of percussively-ignitable flashlamps disposed on an elongated support member. Firing of the flashlamps is accomplished using a spring-loaded ratchet, a movable carriage, and a striking mechanism, e.g. helical torsion spring, positioned on the movable carriage and in engagement with the ratchet. The spring engages and fires each of the lamps in response to the movement of the ratchet and carriage within the support member. The improvement comprises a movable retention means for fixedly retaining the assembly&#39;s carriage prior to the selective firing of the flashlamps. An improved selective firing mechanism is also disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO COPENDING APPLICATIONS

An application listed in the Patent and Trademark Office under Ser. No.778,395 was filed Mar. 17, 1977 and is assigned to the same assignee asthe present invention. Ser. No. 778,395 defines a flashlamp assemblywhich utilizes means for providing a prolonged illumination subsequentto the firing of each lamp.

Three applications, listed under Ser. Nos. 756,926, 756,927, and 756,928were filed Jan. 4, 1977 and assigned to the same assignee as the presentinvention. Ser. No. 756,927 describes a flashlamp assembly utilizing aplurality of percussively-ignitable flashlamps disposed on a supportmember. A movable carriage is used to maintain alignment of theassembly's striking mechanism during firing of the lamps. Ser. No.756,928 describes a signal device which also includes a plurality ofpercussively-ignitable flashlamps disposed on a support. A handle andmovable trigger are employed in conjunction with the device's firingmechanism to accomplish firing of the lamps. Ser. No. 756,926 is anapplication for a design for a flashlamp assembly.

Anoter previous application, Ser. No. 696,146 (H. H. Hall et al), filedJune 14, 1976 now U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,488 and assigned to the sameassignee as the present invention, defines a flashlamp assembly whichemploys a spring-loaded ratchet bar and a slidable member, e.g., helicaltorsion spring, which fires the assembly's flashlamps during movement ofthe ratchet bar Ser. No. 696,146 is now U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,488.

Two additional applications filed June 14, 1976 are now U.S. Pat. Nos.4,070,145 (H. H. Hall et al) and 4,055,759 (Bouchard et al) and are alsoassigned to the same assignee as the present invention. Both of thesepatents describe percussive flashlamp signal devices wherein each of thelamps has a preenergized striker, e.g. torsion spring, associatedtherewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to flashlamp assemblies and particularlyto flashlamp assemblies which employ flashlamps of thepercussively-ignitable variety. The invention also relates to selectivefiring mechanisms for use in these assemblies.

One of the primary features of the instant invention is the preventionof accidental flashlamp ignition within a flashlamp assembly utilizing amovable carriage as part of the firing mechanism. Such an assembly wasdescribed in the aforementioned application under Ser. No. 756,927.Understandably, accidental and premature firing of the assembly's lampsreduces the operating capacity of the assembly.

It is believed therefore that an improved flashlamp assembly whichprovides a means for preventing accidental, premature ignition of theassembly's lamps would constitute an advancement in the art.

It is also believed that a flashlamp assembly selective firing mechanismwhich provides the above capability would constitute an art advancement.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a primary object of the instant invention to enhance theflashlamp assembly art.

It is another object of the invention to provide apercussively-ignitable flashlamp assembly which utilizes means forpreventing accidental ignition of the assembly's flashlamps.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a selectivefiring mechanism for a flashlamp assembly using percussively-ignitableflashlamps which prevents accidental firing of the assembly'sflashlamps.

A further object of the invention is to provide a flashlamp assembly ofthe nature described wherein the assembly may be utilized as ahand-operable signal device.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a percussively-ignitable flashlamp assembly which comprises asupport member defining a plurality of channels therein, a spring-loadedratchet member movably oriented within one of the support's channels, astriking mechanism which is in engageable contact with the ratchet andis capable of selectively firing the flashlamps, and a slidable carriagemember which moves within a second of the support's channels and has thedescribed striking mechanism located thereon. A movable retention meansis employed to positively retain the carriage in a fixed position priorto the selective firing of the flashlamps. Accordingly, accidental andpremature ignition of the lamps is prevented.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided aselective firing mechanism for a flashlamp assembly which includes asupport member, a plurality of percussively-ignitable flashlampspositioned on the support, a spring-loaded ratchet, a resilient strikingmechanism, and a movable carriage upon which the striking mechanism ispositioned. A movable retention means is used to prevent accidentalignition of the assembly's lamps by positively retaining the assembly'scarriage in a fixed position prior to selective firing thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a flashlamp assembly in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view, partly in section, of the assembly ofFIG. 1 as taken along the line 2--2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view, in section, as taken along the line 3--3 in FIG.2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view, in section, as taken along the line4--4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the preferred movable retention means foruse with the assembly of FIGS. 1-4; and

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the retention mens of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For a better understanding of the present invention together with otherand further objects, advantages, and capabilities thereof, reference ismade to the following disclosure and appended claims in connection withthe above described drawings.

With reference to the drawings, there is shown an improved flashlampassembly 10 which comprises an elongated support member 13 upon whichare mounted a plurality of flashlamps 15. Each lamp 15 is of thepercussively-ignitable variety similar to those defined in U.S. LettersPatent No. 3,535,063 (L. F. Anderson et al), said patent assigned to thesame assignee as the present invention. The percussive flashlampsdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,535,063 comprise a light-transmittingenvelope and a projecting primer tube. Deformation of the tube resultsin a deflagration of the lamp's fulminating material up through the tubeand the subsequent ignition of the combustible filamentary material,e.g., zirconium foil, located within the envelope. This ignition processis often termed in the flashlamp industry as "firing" of the lamp.

The lamps 15 of the invention are preferably arranged on support 13 intwo opposing and substantially parallel rows 17 and 17'. Accordingly,the lamps in row 17' are inverted with respect to those in row 17 andthe respective primer tubes 19 project from envelopes 21 in opposingdirections. This preferred positioning relationship is best illustratedin FIG. 2. It is further preferred that the lamps in row 17' bealternatively positioned on support 13 with respect to the opposinglamps in row 17 and that the respective projecting primer tubes occupy acommon plane "a--a" as shown in FIG. 2.

Selective firing of the flashlamps 15 is accomplished by the assembly'sfiring mechanism 23 (FIGS. 2-4) which comprises a spring-loaded ratchetmember 25, a movable carriage member 27, and a resilient strikingmechanism 29. Ratchet 25 is slidably positioned within a firstlongitudinal channel 31 defined by support 13. Striking mechanism 29,preferably a helical torsion spring 33 having an extending striker arm35 for selectively engaging and thus deforming each of the projectingprimer tubes 19 of lamps 15, is located on carriage 27 and is therebyassured of proper alignment during movement through support 13.

As shown, carriage 27 is slidably positioned within a secondlongitudinal channel 37 defined within support 13 and which includes afirst open or slotted portion 37' and a second open or slotted portion37". Engagement and deformation of primer tubes 19 is achieved byreciprocal movement (direction "b" in FIGS. 3, 4) of ratchet 25 withinfirst channel 31.

Spring 33, which also includes a leg portion 39 in engagement with theratchet teeth 41 on ratchet 25, is thus forced to move laterally(direction "c" in FIG. 3) in response to this reciprocal movement aswell as the resulting sliding movement of carriage 27 within channel 37.Striker arm 35 of spring 33 will thereby swing up and strike the primers19 to cause deformation thereof. Continued movement in direction "c"causes the striker arm 35 to pass under the deformed primer and strikethe next (adjoining) primer. It can therefore be seen that spring 33does not move during the return movement (opposite direction "c") ofratchet 25 due to the engagement of a wall 71 by the end portion of arm35 at the start of this movement and the ability of leg portion 39 toslide over the respective tooth on the ratchet. It can further be seenthat each of the primer tubes 19 of a fired flashlamp serves tore-tention spring 33 prior to the next firing sequence.

Support 13 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 as containing a plurality of spacedopenings 43 therein, each of which is adapted for accommodating arespective one of the primers 19 of lamps 15. It is additionallypreferred to provide a plurality of secondary openings 43' each inalignment with a respective opening 43 and spaced a predetermineddistance therefrom. Accordingly, when each primer 19 is located withinboth of the openings 43 and 43', the respective spacing therebetweendefines a third longitudinal channel 45 within support 13. It can beseen in FIG. 2 that striker arm 35 extends within channel 45 and is thusadapted for engaging the portion of primer tube 19 located therein. Inthe broader aspects of the invention, it is understood that channel 45can be omitted and only singular opening 43 (or 43') provided toaccommodate one of the primers. The arrangement shown in FIG. 2 ispreferred, however, to provide a dual, spaced retention on each primer19 with the necessary striking engagement occuring therebetween. Whenutilizing the three longitudinal channels 31, 37, and 45, it ispreferred that the three be positioned within support 13 in asubstantially parallel relationship.

Carriage 27 is shown in FIG. 2 as comprising first and second opposingend portions 47 and 49 slidably oriented within open portions 37' and37", respectively, of second channel 37. Carriage 27 further comprises acentral portion 51 located between ends 47 and 49 and adapted for havinghelical spring 33 positioned thereon. Orientation of both opposing ends47 and 49 within channel 37 prevents tilting or similar misalignmentduring the carriage's lateral movement. In the preferred embodiment ofthe invention, end 47 of carriage 27 is of a boxlike configuration whileend 49 and central portion 51 are substantially cylindrical in shape.

A preferred use for flashlamp assembly 10 is as a signal device capableof being operated by hand. As will be described, the device is adaptedfor single-handed operation and permits the operator to issue a signalor series of signals of relatively high luminous intensity to indicate acondition of distress, warning, etc. When used in this manner, assembly10 preferably further includes a hand-operable trigger 53 movablyoriented on and extending from elongated support 13. Trigger 53 isoperatively joined to ratchet 25 by connecting arm 57 which forms a partof the trigger. Trigger 53 is also spring-biased within support 13 usingspring 55. A slot 58 (FIG. 4) is provided in support 13 to accommodatearm 57. Spring 55 biases trigger 53 in a direction toward ratchet 25 tothus assure return of the trigger after actuation (displacement awayfrom flashlamps 15) by the oprator's hand. The direction for thisdisplacement and biased return is indicated in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 asdirectional arrows "d". Because trigger 53 and ratchet member 27 areoperatively joined via connecting arm 57 and move in the mannerindicated, it is understood that directions " b" and "d" aresubstantially parallel and further that spring 55 also serves to biasratchet 25 (away from handle 59). In the event that a trigger as shownin the drawings is not utilized as part of assembly 10, springloadingratchet 25 could be accomplished with a minor modification to thesupport's structure to include spring 55 at a location suitable toposition it directly against one of the surfaces, e.g. 56, of theratchet.

If it is desired to use assembly 10 as a signal device, it isadditionally preferred to provide the assembly with a handle 59extending from support 13. Handle 59 is designed to fit snugly withinthe palm of an operator's hand and thus trigger 53 can be actuated byone or more of the operator's fingers. Handle 59 can be hollow to serveas a storage compartment for an indicating dye, said materialparticularly desired for marine applications. A hollow handle could alsoinclude styrofoam or similar material to add buoyancy to assembly 10.

Assembly 10 further preferably includes a plurality of light-shieldpartitions 61 located on support 13, each of these members positionedbetween a respective pair of flashlamps to eliminate sympatheticflashing of one lamp as a result of prior flashing of an adjoining lamp.Assembly 10 may also include a light-transmitting cover 63 securedlypositioned on support 13 and adapted for covering lamps 15. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 1 wherein two opposing parallel rows of lampsare used, it is preferred to employ a cover 63 for each row. It isfurther preferred that each of the covers 63 be hermetically sealed tosupport 13, particularly if device 10 is to be utilized for marine use.

In addition to the above-described components, the signal deviceassembly may include a sheet of reflecting material (not shown) alongthe interior of one of the side walls of covers 63. The reflectingsurface of this sheet may be inserted so as to face the lamps andfunction as a reflector of visible light to enhance the signaling affector as a mirror for daytime signaling purposes. The exterior surfaces ofpartitions 61 may also be made reflecting, such as by aluminizing, ifdesired. In addition to the reflector to the above-described components,the signal device assembly may include a sheet of reflecting material(not shown) along the interior of one of the side walls of covers 63.The reflecting surface of this sheet may be inserted so as to face thelamps and function as a reflector of visible light to enhance thesignaling affect or as a mirror for daytime signaling purposes. Theexterior surfaces of partitions 61 may also be made reflecting, such asby aluminizing, if desired. In addition to the reflector sheet insert, afilter sheet (not shown) such as a cellulose acetate color filter may besecured to the entire inside surface of the cover. This color filter,whether blue, yellow, orange, red, or another color, may serve to drawattention to the device upon firing as well as enhance the device'sdecorative feature.

In FIGS. 5 and 6 there is shown a movable retention means 71 adapted foruse within the flashlamp assembly 10 of FIG. 1. (Means 71 is shown inFIG. 1 as being positioned substantially within support 13). Retentionmeans 71 preferably comprises a pin member 73 having an elongatedportion 75 and an adjoining annular portion 77. As will be described,annular portion 77 is adapted for receiving at least one of theoperator's fingers to effect removal of pin 73 from support 13.

Elongated portion 75 inserts within a pair of aligned openings 79 and 81within support and carriage members 13 and 27, respectively, to retaincarriage 27 in a fixed position within open portion 37' of channel 37.Openings 79 and 81 are adapted for aligning within assembly 10 prior tothe selective firing of flashlamps 15. Also shown in FIG. 5 is spring 33positioned about central portion 51 of carriage 27. Ends 47 and 49 arealso illustrated. Ratchet 25, including teeth 41, is operatively joinedto spring 33 via leg portion 39 of the spring. It is understood from theforegoing description that ratchet 25 reciprocally moves in direction"b" to advance carriage 27 (and therefore spring 33) toward therespective flashlamps 15 whereupon striker arm 35 will strike and deformeach of the primers 19.

To facilitate assembly of the present invention, a retention plug 83(FIG. 5) may be inserted within support 13 prior to location of carriage27 and spring 33. Plug 83 and elongated portion 75 of pin 73 serve tomaintain the spring and carriage components in an aligned andprestressed condition during subsequent assembly procedures. Aprestressed condition for arm 35 is also particularly desired in orderto preload the arm for the firing of the initial lamp of the assembly.

As described, movable retention means 71 provides two key features ofthe present invention. Firstly, means 71 prevents accidental, prematurefiring of the lamps 15 within the assembly by maintaining carriage 27(and therefore spring 33) in a fixed, locked condition. Secondly, means71 serves to facilitate assembly of the invention by assisting inmaintaining alignment of the invention's carriage and spring membersduring subsequent assembly procedures.

Support 13, handle 59, trigger 53, ratchet member 25, carriage 27, andpartitions 61 are all preferably of a thermoplastic material. Covers 63may be of transparent thermoplastic material while spring 33 may be of0.029 inch dia. piano wire. The preferred material for pin 73 is 0.030inch dia. stainless steel wire while plug 83 is preferably of 0.060music wire.

Although the invention has been described with respect to specificembodiments, it will be appreciated that modifications and changes maybe made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope ofthe invention. For example, the dimensions and design of the helicaltorsion spring may be modified. In fact, in lieu of the helical torsionspring, other types of striking mechanisms with resilient striker meansmay be employed. The lamps may be aligned in a linear array on one sideof the support member, rather than in the opposing array illustrated.The ratchet may be actuated by hand engageable means other than a biasedtrigger of the configuration shown. Further, although specificallyillustrated as a signal device, it is readily contemplated that thedescribed flashlamp assembly with selective firing mechanism may beadapted as a photoflash unit by the addition of suitable reflectors andprovision of an appropriate linkage to a camera shutter releasemechanism.

While there have been shown and described what are at present consideredthe preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be obvious to thoseskilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be madetherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined bythe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. In a flashlamp assembly comprising an elongated support member defining a plurality of longitudinal channels therein, a spring-loaded elongated ratchet member slidably positioned within a first of said longitudinal channels, a carriage member slidably positioned within a second of said longitudinal channels, a plurality of percussively-ignitable flashlamps mounted on said support member, and a resilient striking mechanism positioned on said carriage member and in engageable contact with said elongated ratchet member for selectively firing said flashlamps by engagement therewith in response to sliding movement of said ratchet member and said carriage member within said first and second longitudinal channels, respectively, the improvement comprising:movable retention means positioned substantially within said elongated support member for positively retaining said carriage member in a fixed position prior to said selective firing of said flashlamps.
 2. The improved flashlamp assembly according to claim 1 wherein said support and carrige members each include an opening therein, said openings adapted for being aligned within said flashlamp assembly prior to said selective firing of said flashlamps.
 3. The improved flashlamp assembly according to claim 2 wherein said movable retention means comprises a pin member having an elongated portion inserted within both of said openings of said support and carriage members when said openings are aligned within said flashlamp assembly.
 4. The improved flashlamp assembly according to claim 3 wherein said pin member further includes an annular portion adjoining said elongated portion and extending from said support member.
 5. In a selective firing mechanism for a flashlamp assembly including an elongated support member defining a plurality of longitudinal channels therein and a plurality of percussively-ignitable flashlamps mounted on said support member wherein said selective firing mechanism comprises a spring-loaded ratchet member slidably positioned within a first of said longitudinal channels within said support member, a carriage member slidably positioned within a second of said longitudinal channels, and a resilient striking mechanism positioned on said carriage and in engageable contact with said ratchet member for selectively firing said flashlamps by engagement therewith in response to sliding movement of said ratchet member and said carriage member in said first and second longitudinal channels respectively, the improvement comprising:movable retention means positioned substantially within said elongated support member for positively retaining said carriage member in a fixed position prior to said selective firing of said flashlamps.
 6. The improved firing mechanism according to claim 5 wherein said support and carriage members each include an opening therein, said openings adapted for being aligned within said flashlamp assembly prior to said selective firing of said flashlamps.
 7. The improved firing mechanism according to claim 6 wherein said movable retention means comprises a pin member having an elongated portion inserted within both of said openings of said support and carriage members when said openings are aligned within said flashlamp assembly.
 8. The improved firing mechanism according to claim 7 wherein said pin member further includes an annular portion adjoining said elongated portion and extending from said support member. 